Living near Highways and major roads has been cited as a challenge to many residents who struggle to cope with the noise pollution from the numerous vehicles plying the Highway.

However, this is not so for residents of Heshima Estate on the Nakuru-Nyahururu Highway.

The estate that borders Menengai crater slopes, Engashura Farm Kagoto and Mchanga area is found in Kiamaina Ward on the northern part of Nakuru City.

But did you know that Heshima was not the original name of the estate that is now transforming in all spheres?

Well, Mtaa Wangu has learnt that Heshima estate was initially referred to as Ngashura or Maili tano.

Benson Muriu, a senior resident of the estate since 1982 reveals that during those days the estate had no much development.

Benson Muriu has lived in Heshima estate since 1982 and is now the chairperson community policing.

Photo credit: BRET SANYA/MTAA WANGU

He is however quick to note that the centre was already in place though no buildings were established yet.

According to him, the tussle between the defunct Municipal Council of Nakuru and a land buying company in the area is what derailed development in the area during the 1980s.

Read: My Hood: How Pipeline estate has grown into a business hub

The tussle was later on sorted in the late 1990s causing the area to begin developing as investors now stepped in to put up shops.

Muriu adds that the name Heshima came from a Hotel in the area that went by the name ‘Heshima Hotel’.

“The iconic hotel saw many people familiarize with the area to an extent that it was used by those travelling along the Nakuru-Nyahururu Highway and you could hear phrase such as ‘Nishukishe hapo Heshima (I will alight at Heshima) or Nafika Heshima (I am dropping at Heshima),” he recalls.

A section of heshima estate that sits next to the Nakuru-Nyahururu highway.

Photo credit: BRET SANYA/MTAA WANGU

Despite having a good name, Heshima, which in English means respect, the estate has continued to face various challenges.

Key among them is the storm water that flows from the upper Menengai crater slopes that has continued to give residents sleepless nights whenever there is a heavy downpour in Nakuru.

The other challenge is the presence of the many quarries that have now become a menace due to noise pollution from the machines and weakening of the soil structure that at the end leads to landslides.

Also Read: My Hood: Bondeni Estate and Its Rich Swahili Culture

The estate has also experienced cases of land grabbing, more so land that was meant for public amenities such as hospitals, ECDs, dumpsites, social hall and a slaughter house as per the plan of the defunct Municipal Council of Nakuru.

Insecurity occasioned by illicit brew is also another challenge that affects Heshima Estate as Paul Kariuki- a resident cites laxity on the side of security agencies assigned to fight illicit brew.

Muriu who doubles up as the Chairman Community Policing in the area says the matter has been raised severally but no action has ever been taken to address it, leaving residents of Heshima estate in despair.

Mtaa Wangu has learnt that the Kagoto/Heshima Market that was constructed during Lee Kinyanjui’s tenure as Governor was to be expanded but the mission has been impossible due to land grabbing cases.

Traders display their wares at Heshima market. The market cannot be expanded since part of the land has been grabbed.

Photo credit: BRET SANYA/MTAA WANGU

The market is now occupied by a few traders mostly those dealing in clothes while those selling food produce were three years ago relocated just next to the Highway, though temporarily as Kenya National Highways Authority(KeNHA) does not allow such activities near a Highway.

“We need a space to expand this market which is the only one in this estate,” says Mr. Francis Macharia who is the Chairman of the Market.

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Sentiments echoed by Chairlady Ms Phylis Wanja who says as business women dealing with food, they have no other choice but to work just next to the highway until that day the County Government will expand the Market.

MS Phylis Wanja, chairperson of Heshima market in Kiamaina.

Photo credit: BRET SANYA/MTAA WANGU

Despite all these challenges, Heshima estate has continued to expand and if you want a rental house here, then you will have to pay between Sh 1,500 and Sh 5,000.

Several individuals among them investors have seen potential in Heshima and are now trooping in to buy plots 40 by 60 at the Menengai slopes with such plots going for between Sh 1.5million to Sh 2million.

pmambili@gmail.com

My Hood: Land grabbing, illicit brew and noise pollution have no respect for Heshima estate

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Pristone Mambili